Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for the United Nations (UN) and other international bodies to investigate the abduction and rescue of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has drawn sharp criticism from the Senate, senior government officials and legal experts.
The governor’s remarks have sparked political debate, with critics arguing that the matter falls within Nigeria’s domestic jurisdiction and should not be referred to international organisations.
Among those who opposed the proposal are the Senate, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose and several Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs).
Senate, officials fault Makinde’s proposal
The Senate described Makinde’s request as an attempt to trivialise the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and security personnel who rescued the abducted pupils and teachers.
It also adopted a motion commending the President, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue operation, while urging the Federal Government to provide welfare benefits to families of security personnel who lost their lives during the mission.
Nigeria’s UN envoy, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, maintained that the United Nations has no mandate to investigate domestic security incidents in member states and urged the governor to apologise to the victims instead.
Legal experts, Fayose join criticism
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose also faulted Makinde’s position, arguing that the governor’s own actions during and after the abduction deserved scrutiny rather than an international investigation.
Similarly, legal experts, including Prof. Damilola Olawuyi (SAN), Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN) and human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), said the UN lacks jurisdiction over such domestic security matters.
The controversy has continued to generate political debate, with the Oyo State APC also criticising the governor’s position, while discussions over the handling of the Oriire abduction remain ongoing.